Blackberry Enterprise Server

Function

Blackberry Enterprise Server (BES) allows Blackberry handhelds to synchronize wirelessly using your cellular provider's data service.

BES is fully integrated with the Medical Center's Exchange e-mail service.  Blackberry devices using BES have real-time access to e-mail, calendar, contacts and task lists.  There is no need to sync the Blackberry with a cradle attached to your computer and no need to have a desktop application running to re-direct your e-mail/calendar information.

Access

 In addition to a valid Exchange account, you must have BlackBerry Enterprise data services enabled through your cellular carrier. 

Documentation

 User guides for common Blackberry devices are available in the Documents Directory (under "B").  Research in Motion, the manufacturer of Blackberries, has an extensive online documentation collection.  You can usually obtain documentation from your cellular carrier as well.

Support

 For assistance with Blackberry devices, or questions about their use with Exchange, contact the Information Technology Help Desk. 

Additional considerations

The "push" email functionality once unique to Blackberry devices can now be obtained with devices using the Windows Mobile operating system (version 5.0 or later),   It is also available to users of Palm Treo devices with services like Goodlink.

If you travel internationally, you must have service plan that is supported in the country you are visiting.  You must also have a mobile phone that supports the cellular frequency of the area(s) you are visiting.  To ensure you have the most flexibility, we recommend you purchase a "quad-band" mobile phone.  The Procurement group can help if you need assistance.

System administration 

The Blackberry Enterprise server is managed by the Datacenter Operations group.